As the world is transitioning to more eco-friendly and renewable resources, it is a point of consideration for travellers as well. One should look for environmentally friendly travelling options. If you are opting to rent a car, you can use some tips and tricks to minimise your carbon footprint. This will make your trips not only pleasant but also positive for the environment.
6 Reasons Why to Choose an Eco-Friendly Car Rental Company
The first thing is to choose an eco-friendly car rental service company that understands the need of environmentally friendly vehicles. As many car rental businesses have switched to ecological practices, you will not have to face any difficulty in this regard.
1. Provide Hybrid or Electric Vehicles
Most of the major companies that offer car rentals have hybrid or electric cars available. Such vehicles emit less pollutants , and they are in demand as compared to traditional gas cars. Ensure that the car rental company provides services such as carbon offsetting programs, green certifications, or even energy-efficient operations for their rental locations.
2. Be a Part of Environmental Partners
Conduct research and book with companies that are actively working to sustain the environment. Brands such as Enterprise and Hertz have committed to reducing their footprint and also offer choices in environmentally friendly vehicles.
3. Choose Fuel-Efficient Cars
The simplest thing that you can do for a more sustainable environment is to go for a fuel-efficient vehicle.
- Hybrid or Electric Vehicles
These cars have lesser fuel consumption and emit fewer harmful gases. If a hybrid is not affordable, then a compact or subcompact car would work.
- Cleanest Gasoline Cars
If a hybrid is out of reach, go for a car with an excellent MPG rating. Cars with higher MPG ratings consume less fuel and contribute less to global warming.
- Avoid SUVs and Trucks
The bigger the car, the bigger the fuel consumption. Try to opt for a sedan or compact car, which is much more fuel-efficient.
4. Practice Environment-Friendly Driving Behavior
After renting your vehicle, make sure you have environment-friendly driving behaviour. It includes :
- Drive Smoothly
Aggressive driving and heavy braking can consume a lot of fuel. Drive at a constant speed and use cruise control on the highway. It helps to save fuel.
- Slow Down
The faster you go, the higher fuel consumption you get. Obeying speed limits is not only safe but will also save on fuel.
- Plan Your Reroute
Use apps that give you an efficient route. Try to avoid most traffic congestion and road construction so that you get to cover the distance in a lesser amount of time and with less fuel.
- Combine Your Trips
When hiring a car, it would be really great to plan your itinerary such that you do not make unnecessary trips.
- Plan Your Activities
Schedule your activities such that they fall in groups. For example, plan to visit nearby attractions or meet multiple clients on one trip. It will reduce the total miles driven.
5. Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Regardless of your best intentions or actions, your rented car is eventually responsible for carbon emissions. Here are some steps to offset that:
- Carbon Offset Programs
Most car rental operators now have a carbon offset program, where they allow you to pay to offset the emissions that the rental car might generate. Money is invested in renewable energy projects or reforestation.
- Offset Programs
If your car rental company does not have an offset program, you should consider purchasing an independent carbon offset program.
6. Clean and Maintain the Vehicle
It is important that you take care of the rented vehicle and maintain it as if it was your own. It shows your concern towards your management and the potential to take care of rented valuables.
- Regular Maintenance
You must keep your rented car all fueled up and run a quick maintenance check before driving. This includes checking the tire pressure and fluid levels. Properly inflated tires save fuel for sure.
- Keep the Car Clean
Every little bit of weight removed from the vehicle can add a little to the MPG. Don't carry unnecessary stuff in the car that adds weight to the vehicle. In this way, you can decrease the MPG.
- Recycle When Possible
If you collect any trash or recyclables during your trip, recycle them right before returning the car. Most rental car companies appreciate the effort to leave their cars clean.
Conclusion
It does not have to break the bank to rent a car since it can be pretty eco-friendly. All you have to do is to keep the above tips and tricks in your mind. It is important that you consider the wellness of the environment that you’re in. Therefore, investing, any time, effort, and money into the environment would be paid off well in the future.
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